Mildred, Elizabeth (nee Duncan) Ruggles

Passed away peacefully at her home in Duncan, B.C. on Sunday, December 21st 2008 in her 89th year. Predeceased by her lifelong companion and spouse, Dr. Richard “Dick” Ruggles (DOD Jan 9, 2008); survived by her daughter Margaret (Meg) of Wheatley, Ontario and son Myles of Toronto, Ontario. Also missing her deeply, sister-in-law Norine R. Atack of Orangeville, Ontario. “Mil” was also loved by 5 grandchildren – Maya, Sara, Justin, Johanna, Diana – and 1 great granddaughter, Kayla.

Born in Duncan, B.C. to James and Kate Duncan on Feb 7th 1920, Mildred and her family moved to Victoria while she was still a young child. She graduated from teacher’s college in Victoria and went on to complete an M.A. in Geography from UBC. Prior to raising her family, she was a schoolteacher on Galiano Island and in Vancouver, B.C., a profession she continued throughout her life as Dick’s research assistant, a sessional instructor in Geography at UBC and as a teacher for the Frontenac (Limestone) District School Board in Kingston, Ontario during the 1970’s.

Mildred will be lovingly remembered as a dedicated wife and mother who exemplified the best in personal virtues of modesty, dignity and generosity. She offered impeccable hospitality to all who entered her home. As a mother, she imbued in her children a love for natural beauty and care for all creatures (especially Morrie). Mil was also a skilled pianist and equestrian in her time, an avid gardener and creative with paints and camera. Her Scottish roots were always evident in the practical and frugal ways she organized her family and home, and in her reticence about complaint in the face of difficulties. We thank-you Mil, for always being there for your family.

Friends and family in the Duncan area may offer their condolences and fond memories at a tea reception to be held in her home on Saturday, Jan 10th 2009 from 1:00pm-4:00pm. Friends and family in Ontario will be able to attend a committal service (date TBA) at Cataraqui Cemetery, Kingston in the spring of 2009. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local S.P.C.A. and/or the Richard Ruggles Scholarship Fund at Queen’s University. Myles and Margaret extend their heartfelt thanks to all who have been loving fellow travelers with Mil on her journey.

Please address all enquiries to Sands Funeral Home, Duncan BC or to Margaret at healing@wavedirect.net

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